Earlier on this month, the attention of Nigerian politicians was sparked by the media over the case of Miss Ese Oruru, a fourteen year old girl who was kidnapped and sexually exploited for marriage. Our Senators such as Aisha Al Hassan and Ben Murray-Bruce played their role in demanding her release and justice was served, although several other similar cases continue to go on.
Child marriage is a prevalent issue in Nigeria, one which is unfortunately supported by a few of our law makers. Several young girls are continuously exploited and their rights are taken away from them to the benefit of older men. However, the power of the media managed to save Ese, but what about her kidnapper? Yunusa Dahiru has just been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa with the condition of three million Naira and two sureties. He was arraigned on a five count charge for criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor. The sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court while one must be a civil servant of not less that level 12 while the second must be a title holder according to Naij.com.
More information will be available to the public soon.